Knee arthrosis: symptoms and treatment, exercises, medications

Arthrosis of the knee joint (also called gonarthrosis) is an injury to the knee joint, in which the articular cartilage is destroyed, the knee is deformed and the movement of the knee is limited. The article will help you learn about the symptoms and start the necessary treatment in a timely manner.

Arthrosis of the knee joint

Experts subdivide gonarthrosis into primary and secondary forms:

1. The cause of the primary form is a congenital joint defect and the period of development of the disease occurs in childhood and adolescence.
2. The secondary form can develop at any age.

Experts call the main causes of the disease:

• bad posture;
• being overweight;
• various types of knee injuries;
• disorders of metabolism and mineral metabolism;
• the presence of endocrine diseases;
• increased stress on the knee joints;
• impaired calcium metabolism due to ingestion of hormone-containing drugs;
• meniscus removal operations;
• presence of arthritis;
• weak ligament apparatus;
• menopause and menopause in women.

Arthrosis of the knee joints can be bilateral or unilateral.

Stages of arthrosis and its symptoms

Depending on the symptoms and the approach to the disease, specialists divide the disease into 3 stages.

Initial or 1st stage of arthrosis

At this stage, mild pain appears with increased knee stress.The initial stage can last from 1 to several years.To prevent the stage from becoming more serious, several measures must be taken to restore the deformed cartilage, strengthen the ligaments and restore movement in the knee.

At this stage, timely treatment will completely eliminate the pathology. But most patients ignore the symptom in the form of mild pain and therefore do not go to the doctor. Knee arthrosis is treated by an orthopedist, rheumatologist or surgeon.

Medium or 2-stage arthrosis

At this stage, the symptoms of the disease appear more pronounced and, therefore, it is impossible to ignore them. Doctors note that it is in stage 2 that most patients seek medical help. At this stage, an accurate diagnosis can be made. The timely treatment allows to interrupt the transition of the disease to the 3rd degree.

Serious symptoms include:

• sore knees with hypothermia;
• the presence of a crispy soft;
• swelling or swelling in the knee area;
• severe knee pain when climbing stairs or other forms of increased stress;
• pain and tingling in the calves;
• Stiffness in knee flexion and extension.

Last or 3rd stage of arthrosis

At this stage, the consequences of the disease are irreversible, it is impossible to prevent the development of the pathology. But the treatment will relieve the patient's condition for a while. In no case should you ignore the symptoms or self-medicate, as this can lead to a change in gait, walking with a cane or disability.

The main symptoms of stage 3, in addition to the above, are referred by doctors:

• pathology of the endocrine system (problems with the thyroid gland, diabetes);
• hereditary and age factors.

Diagnostic methods

The specialist makes the diagnosis based on the anamnesis based on the patient's words and the results of laboratory and instrumental tests.

Laboratory tests include:

• complete blood count.With the help of research, you can identify the causative agent of the disease and assess the degree of inflammation.
The
• general urinalysisallows to identify or exclude the autoimmune origin of the disease and to assess whether the origin of the renal pathology and urinary tract.
• biochemical blood test, which is divided into many others, the indicators for almost all studies are outside the normal range.

Laboratory tests are performed during an exacerbation of the disease, because during remission all indicators are within normal limits.

Instrumental studies include:

• X-ray.It is performed in two projections - posterior-anterior and lateral. Usually, the doctor takes a picture of both knees to compare the affected and healthy knees.
• arthroscopy.This procedure should be understood not only as research, but also as a mini-operation. The fact is that through a small hole in the knee, the doctor inserts a small LED conductor inside it and a complete image of the internal state of the knee is displayed on the computer screen. The resulting tissue fragments are sent to the laboratory if a cartilaginous or malignant tumor is suspected. endoscopically it is possible to correct the shape of the meniscus, remove polyps and chondrophytes. In addition to the diagnosis of arthrosis, other diseases can be performed and investigated, since the knee joint is a large organ and allows a complete view of the state of the body.
• Ultrasound(ultrasound).This examination method has 2 important advantages over X-rays - it is harmless and helps to see the soft tissue of the joint due to its wide imaging capabilities.
• CT (computed tomography).The study is an improved form of radiography, because during this procedure the doctor takes several photos and, thanks to them, a three-dimensional image of the affected organ is created on the computer. This form is used less often than others due to time costs and a large amount of radiation.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).Unlike the previous method, it is more harmless. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging allows you to obtain a better image of soft tissues compared to CT. However, magnetic resonance imaging is rarely used as a tomography, since its use requires a high material cost and cannot be applied to patients whose body contains metal objects (pins, crowns). CT and MRI are contraindicated in people weighing more than 120 kg.
• scintigraphy.An expensive and radiation-related method. Therefore, it is used in cases where less expensive methods are ineffective. In this study, a substance is introduced into the patient's body that reacts to the diseased organ and is located around it.
• tomography.The study is based on the thermal radiation of the body surface. Usually, the affected organ manifests itself as foci with increased temperature. The tomograph is a heavy instrument and an expensive procedure, so this study is performed only in large clinics.

Medicines to treat and relieve symptoms

Experts note that it is impossible to start treatment without relieving pain and eliminating inflammation.Therefore, doctors prescribe several non-steroidal (that is, non-hormonal) medications. But you cannot take them any longer than the prescribed time, as this group of drugs does not cure the disease, but relieves the symptoms, and the disease progresses in the meantime.

Ointments for arthrosis

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint with symptoms of edema and pain is rarely done without ointments.

Unlike other forms of drug release, this group has clear advantages:

• quickly reduces pain and inflammation;
• ease of use facilitates the combination with other treatments, such as physical therapy;
• there is no negative effect on the liver.

Many years of experience in the treatment of osteoarthritis and positive feedback surveys among patients have revealed a number of effective ointments with a warming vasodilatory effect. They contain red pepper extract, bee and snake venom.

Arthrosis Gymnastics

Gymnastics is one of the important methods in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, which should be used in the remission period after the elimination of pain symptoms.

Contributes to:

• improves joint cartilage nutrition and overall health:
• pain relief;
• strengthening of the muscles and ligaments of the knee joint;
• increased joint mobility.

To see a positive effect,should be exercised daily or on alternate days, increasing the load by up to 30 minutes per workout.

1. Heating. You need to walk on tiptoe or on your heels for 3-5 minutes.
2. Ride an imaginary bicycle 20-30 times (10-15 times with each foot).
3. Lying on your stomach, bend and straighten your knees 10 to 15 times. With each push-up, keep your leg in this position for 5 seconds.
4. Extend your legs while lying on your back. Lift your leg and bend your knee. The heel should be parallel to the floor.
5. Lying on your right side, lift your left leg, pull it up to your stomach and stretch it back as far as possible. Roll to the other side and repeat the exercise. Repeat 5-6 times for each leg.

The exercise should be abandoned if:

• hernia of the abdomen or hips;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• infectious diseases;
• blood diseases;
• rehabilitation period after operations.

Scrub and compact

Various rubs and compresses are widely used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Its significant advantages include the availability of ingredients and the absence of side effects.

• Garlic.Pour 1 vegetable head with any vegetable oil (200 ml), cover and leave in a cool, dark place for 7 days. Then wash the product overnight. To eliminate the specific odor, close the knee with a thick gauze bandage and, in the morning, rinse thoroughly with water.
Egg
• .Mix the vinegar with 1 yolk 1: 1 and immediately rub it on the knee. Apply 3 a week. After rubbing, wrap the knee with something warm.
• Honey.Mix 100 grams of honey and 3 grams of mummy and rub immediately on the knee. Wrap your knee.
• Cabbage.Wet a piece of wool with the juice of a vegetable and apply it to the knee.
• Oatmeal.Boil a regular porridge of 1-2 tablespoons of flakes in water. Do not boil the flakes for more than 7 minutes! Spread the viscous product on a clean cloth and apply to the knee.

Wraps

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (symptoms and drug treatment are indicated above) can, according to experts, be cured by various types of bandages. The most effective are honey and herbs.

According to the survey, honey packs help:

• to restore tissues and intra-articular cartilage destroyed by the disease;
• eliminates pain and inflammation;
• burns excess cholesterol.

It is important to note that honey is most effective when combined with cinnamon.

As for herbal wraps, the above properties have:

• willow bark, oak, birch, aspen;
• valerian roots, comfrey, burdock;
• hops, birch, nettle leaves;
• wild rosemary and St. John's wort herbs;
• chamomile flowers, marigold.

Treatment of knee arthrosis with hirudotherapy

One of the most effective methods of treating knee joint arthrosis is hirudotherapy, that is, treatment with leeches. It can be used in the first symptoms and must be directed by the attending physician and under the supervision of specialists. Before the first procedure, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

Don't use leeches:

• children and the elderly;
• patients suffering from reduced blood clotting, hypotension, severe body exhaustion, leukemia, anemia, gastrointestinal erosion, stomach ulcers, problems with the digestive system, cancer, tuberculosis, anemia and hemophilia;
• women during pregnancy and lactation.

For treatment to be effective, 1-2 procedures must be performed every 5-6 months.Treatment can be performed more or less frequently - it all depends on the stage of the disease. If after 1-3 sessions the patient feels better and has no allergic reactions, treatment with leeches can be continued.

Otherwise, the patient will have an interval of 9 months and if the allergy reappears or does not improve, the hirudotherapy sessions are interrupted. During treatment, the specialist treats the knee with an odorless agent and then checks the suitability of the leeches that will be used.

For this, leeches are placed in a container with water. If leeches stick to the walls, they can be used. The specialist places 2 to 6 leeches on the patella.

When leeched, leeches release a number of useful enzymes in the human body that will help:

• restores and strengthens the immune system;
• restoration of blood circulation and metabolic processes;
• eliminates swelling and adhesions.

Hirudotherapy cannot be used as a separate treatment. For greater efficiency, experts recommend combining it with physical therapy, physical therapy exercises and taking medications.

Taking turpentine and pine baths

Balneotherapy, that is, taking several baths with therapeutic effect, is not the last place in eliminating the symptoms of arthrosis.Experts note that there are many different types of therapeutic baths, but the turpentine and pine baths have shown particular effectiveness. They can be done not only in changing rooms, but also at home.

But, despite their benefits, they should be discarded:

• patients with heart disease;
• in the presence of oncological diseases, tuberculosis, varicose veins, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension
• if the patient has suffered a heart attack or stroke;
• in the presence of skin diseases;
• for pregnant women.

For a turpentine bath, you need to mix 10 grams of children's soap, 0. 75 ml of salicylic acid and pour the mixture with 500 ml of boiling water. While the mixture cools, you need to fill the tub with hot water. When the mixture cools to 45 degrees, add turpentine and pour 15-20 ml of the mixture into the bath.

Due to the presence of turpentine, the temperature in the bathroom may seem high.Therefore, you should not increase the dose by 1 time more than 20 ml. Baths should be taken daily for 10-14 days, gradually increasing the dose of the turpentine mixture to 80 ml in one procedure. After bathing, wash the mixture with warm water and put on warm clothing or lie under a blanket.

For pine tubs, you need needles or pine branches. About 25-30 branches need to be broken into small pieces to fit the pot. Wash the branches before preparing the broth, float and dirt, pour the water and cook for 5-10 minutes. Strain the broth and pour it into a hot water bath.

Take a shower for 10-15 minutes.Then dry and put on warm clothes. Physical work and straining the knees is not recommended. The pine bath treatment course can include 7 to 12 procedures, which can be performed on alternate days or daily. After six months, the course can be repeated. This procedure will prolong the remission period and stop the development of the disease.

Use of chondroprotectors

Arthrosis of the knee joint (symptoms and treatment with folk remedies are listed below) cannot be cured without chondroprotectors - a group of drugs that aims to restore cartilage tissue and nutrition. All drugs in this group are divided into 5 groups. Medicines for the treatment of osteoarthritis belong to group 4.

They are made based on:

• glucosamine;
chondroitin sulfate;
• avocado and soy extracts;
• hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid;
• synthesis of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Chondroprotectors are prescribed by specialists in combination with anesthetic drugs.But, unlike the latter, the former must be taken throughout life, as it is only in this case that it is possible to delay the development of arthrosis and stop the deficiency. The effect of taking chondroprotectors is visible only after 2-8 days.

The preparations are available in the form of gels, ointments, tablets and injections. An injection with a solution is administered to the knee.

Diet: what foods are allowed, nutritional rules and an approximate diet

Excess weight negatively affects the development of arthrosis - the disease progresses more quickly than in normal weight patients. Therefore, people who suffer from excess obesity are advised to lose those extra pounds. But at the same time, it is categorically impossible to go hungry and consume mono diets or diets with dietary restrictions.

Allowed products include:

• Hormone-free farm meat that can be boiled, roasted, stewed or steamed. If there is no access to farm meat, you can buy the usual meat, but you must get rid of the skins and fat, as all the harmful substances that are fed or injected into animals or birds accumulate there. It is best to limit the consumption of this meat to 1-2 times a week, and the rest of the time there are dishes of vegetables or fish.
• fruits and vegetables that can be roasted or cooked to your liking.
• all types of cereals (except instant cereals).
• products with pectin: currant, jelly with fructose;
• fermented dairy products;
• eggs;
• Wholemeal bread and pasta.

Important to exclude from the diet:

• baked goods, sweets and white bread;
• alcoholic beverages and beer;
• various types of fast food and snacks;
• sausage and other types of finished meat products.

In arthrosis, 1. 200 Kcal should be consumed daily.You need to eat fractionally, that is, every 2-3 hours in small portions.

Folk remedies

Osteoarthritis of the knee, symptoms and treatment can be easily performed with traditional medicine:

• If arthrosis is accompanied by edema, a blue clay compress will be helpful. To do this, it is necessary to dilute the clay with water until it is in a creamy state and place it on a dense fabric folded 4 to 6 times and fasten in the joint. Wrap the knee with gauze or another cloth so that the compress does not slip. Hold for 2-3 hours and rinse with warm water. The fabric can be washed and reused.
• Experts recommend abandoning natural tea and coffee and replacing them with decoctions and infusions. For example, a blueberry decoction. For him, 2 teaspoons. berries need to spill 1 liter. boiling water and leave for an hour, wrapped in a towel. You need to drink 3-4 times a day.
• The massage ointment helps to eliminate pain and inflammation at any stage of the disease. For her, it is necessary to mix with 50 grams of petroleum jelly, 10 grams of chopped hops, sweet clover and St. John's wort. You need to insist on the product for 2-3 hours in a dark place. Rub with light massage movements. You can wrap your knee.

How long the rehabilitation period lasts

It is impossible to say unequivocally how long the rehabilitation of the osteoarthritis will last, since the time depends on several factors. For example, the patient's age and lifestyle, the degree and severity of the disease.

In general, the recovery period lasts 1-2 months, during which the patient with the help of specialists:

• removes inflammatory and pain syndromes;
• learns to exercise and adjusts nutrition.

For the remission period to last as long as possible, the patient should exercise regularly and consult a doctor. Arthrosis of the knee joint with the elimination of symptoms and the proper treatment approach will allow you to stay within the normal rhythm of life.